Suspected Blaine bank robber captured

Shawna Marie Pearson, 35, turned herself into authorities in San Diego, Calif. and was extradited back to Minnesota, according to the Blaine Police Department. She made her first appearance in Anoka County District Court Nov. 18 and is currently in custody with bail set at $30,000.

The Anoka County Attorney’s Office Oct. 28 charged Pearson with two felony counts of simple robbery and theft.

According to the criminal complaint, a TCF Bank teller told police that a woman later identified as Pearson did not say anything but opened her eyes wide as she passed a note that read, “give me the money!”

The teller looked up at Pearson who allegedly opened her eyes even wider, so he realized she was serious and placed over $2,700 and a dye pack inside a bag.

Video surveillance allegedly clearly showed Pearson’s face and the blue Ford van in which she left.

Police were able to get a positive identification from public tips after the images were shared by the news media.

Authorities learned that later the same day of the robbery, Pearson got into a traffic accident in Cannon Falls and she and the other occupant in her vehicle were intoxicated.

Pearson was taken to a detox facility, but released before its staff were aware that Pearson was a suspect in the Blaine TCF Bank robbery.